MANNAN TRIBE HOUSE BUILDING PROJECT
Western Ghat Mountains
Kerala, South India

Volunteers who initiated and funded the first house project.
Thomas Friebel - Civil Engineer - Germany,
Devin Kalman - Banker -New York
Miss Lena Tempich - Germany
Special Thanks to Miss Gillian Pepper
& Mathew Branch
Volunteer needed to help complete 5th house.
Apply early
COMPLETED HOUSE
Project Report

Drinking water and Sanitation project - Volunteers needed.
Click for more details

Mannan Eco Mud house building project page for 2011 is being updated


Background:

Yearoutindia's house building project aim is to build small houses with basic facilities for selected needy mannan tribal families. This was initiated by calling a meeting of the Mannan King, village elders and others who helped make a priority list of familes in the settlement that needed the help urgently. The next family that needed a house was for widow Radhamani and her 4 children ages 5, 7, 10 and 13. For such a large family the existing temporary hut is not only insubstantial but very overcrowded. Even the simplest housing will be a vast improvement upon the existing accommodation.
The second house to be built will replace the existing hut made entirely of coconut and banana leaves, which is cramped, decaying and not at all weatherproof.

About the Project

Two dedicated volunteers (Thomas - Germany and Devin - New York) took part in the first house building project for 8-12 weeks till completion. Along with Yearoutindia funds, their fees, donation and fundraising, the house building project was started. The village settlement and almost all tribals were very enthusiastic and many joined hands with the volunteers in completing the house. The house was completed successfully and is by far the best house in the whole of the settlement.

New House - Volunteers needed to build this house

The existing accommodation is a flimsy hut made from coconut leaf thatching, which offers little protection from the elements. There are no facilities in place for cooking, comfort or hygiene. As with the first House, we aim to construct a permanent, stable and safe structure with basic living facilities, such as a clay oven (tandoor) as well as glass windows and doors. There are no foundations in place for house 2, so these will need to be built along with toilets and work area..

What the volunteers will be doing ?

As a volunteer on this initiative you will be staying on site and will build a close working relationship with the tribal community including the families for whom the houses are being built. You can teach, build and renovate at this site. You will also work closely with other volunteers and YOI staff, giving you the chance to gain extensive knowledge of new cultures and perhaps even languages. In addition you will enjoy the unique experience of working in the beautiful area surrounding the beautiful Western Ghat Mountain Ranges.

The development work is on going and we need a min of 2-3 volunteers as soon as possible to help with management and building work on-site. There are local masons and workers who have helped build the first house with lot of experience building houses and they will help with all the work and planning. Volunteers can help at all levels and volunteers who have no prior knowledge or experience of building work can also help at all levels. Our staff and coordinators will help you manage the building project. This is very exciting and challenging placement and volunteers can also come in work / college / friends groups to help at this project site. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise for this project.

Adventurous volunteers may stay in tents on site, but YOI also has a house nearby which volunteers can use. YOI staff will be present on site and will cook meals for volunteers. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated. After work activities will be in the form of treks, camp fires, BBQ's, games, bamboo rafting etc etc.

This project will greatly benefit the tribal community and also has much to offer the volunteers :

A unique opportunity to work amongst tribal people and to learn about their culture and way of life.
Take part in the very unusual and colourful Annual tribal festival in March.
The satisfaction of creating permanent homes for two families.
The joy of working in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Western Ghat Mountain ranges.
A chance to build life-long friendships with people from all walks of life.
A chance to improve your DIY skills!

Old House

Incomplete House
Lakshmi & incomplete house
House 2 - Thatched house
YOI - New Completed House built by YOI Volunteers

* It's a challenging project that require volunteers to be resourceful, committed, self motivated and will definitely involve long hours of work with plenty of excitement and fun. You will be involved in planning, organising and building activities with the help of a team of volunteers, local laborers and members of the community. Please note that the project area is remote and basic facilities will be provided by Yearoutindia. Amenities like Internet, ATM's, Fax etc are only available at the nearest town which is 30 minutes drive away.

Program Start Dates and Costs:

Please contact your program coordiantor for more details of this project and next available project start dates. Project cost are dependent on actual project and other community development initiatives. A portion of the program cost goes directly towards the materials, building costs and labour. The remaining covers program related costs: all food, accommodation, project-related transport, staff etc.Volunteers will also assist the YOI staff in managing the funds and paying daily wages and materials needed for the building work.

The house building project is an ongoing project. The current house building project is nearing completion. Volunteers and groups are encouraged take on the help complete these projects. We invite students groups, societies and corporate groups to take on these projects. Please contact a coordinator for further details on "info@yearoutindia.com".


Contact the YOI support team at: info@yearoutindia.com
Call: +91 484 4020040 (India office) +91 9447231853, UK Tel: 0845 463 1571, 07092 233122 Fax: 07092 380001
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